Download Routine Chest CT What is a Routine Chest CT?

Routine Chest CT
What is a Routine Chest CT?
CT scanning, often referred to as a CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) scan, is a noninvasive X-ray
test that is used to diagnose a variety of medical conditions. It provides detailed cross sectional images
of the body part in question to provide more clarity and detailed images than traditional X-rays. A CT of
the chest can be used to help diagnose clinical signs or symptoms of disease of the chest, including
tumors in the lung, lung nodules, and mediastinum; or tumors that have spread from other parts of the
body.
CPT Codes
71260 With Contrast
71250 Without Contrast
71270 Without and With Contrast
Indications
With Contrast: Cough, follow-up or staging lung cancer, pneumonia.
Without Contrast: Follow-up lung nodule, interstitial lung disease, bronchiecstasis.
Without and With Contrast: Lung nodule.
Contraindications
For contrast exams, patients on Glulcophage/Metformin need a current creatinine test within 30 days of
the exam. Additionally, the patient must not take medications the day of the exam and should remain
off these medications for 48 hours after the CT. If the creatinine was normal prior to the CT, the patient
may resume creatinine in 48 hours.
Pregnancy.
Allergy to contrast material.
How Does Your Patient Prepare?
Without contrast studies: No preparation is required.
With contrast studies: A current creatinine test within 30 days is required if the patient is 60 years of age
or older, has diabetes, hypertension, or renal insufficiency.
Additionally, the patient must be NPO for 6 hours prior to the exam.
The patient should inform the doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, and if there is a
history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Any of these conditions
may increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect.
What Happens During the Test?
The patient will be asked to remove any jewelry and the technologist will obtain a medical history. The
patient will be positioned on the exam table. If contrast is indicated, the technologist will start an IV. The
patient may feel warm and flushed for a few seconds. The patient will be asked to remain very still
during the scanning process.
The scan should take approximately 30 minutes.
After the Test
The patient may resume normal activities following the CT.
If a contrast material was used and the patient is on Glulcophage/Metformin, the patient must stay off
the medication for 48 hours. If the patient’s creatinine was normal prior to the CT, the patient may
resume taking the medication in 48 hours.
The Results
A radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to the referring physician within one
business day.
(Information adapted from www.radiologyinfo.org and Dr. Charles De Pena)
This information is intended for use as merely a guideline for referring physicians and their staff
members only. It contains information pertaining to the most commonly ordered exams and indications.
However, Shawnee Mission Medical Center Radiology does not recommend any particular examination.
Individual radiologist preference or patient circumstances may dictate ordering alternative studies.
Although contrast codes are not needed to place an order, the following contrast codes may be used in
placing orders:
CT Contrast Q9967, MRI contrast A9577 and A9579.